Oral care perspectives of professionals in nursing homes for the elderly

• ObjectivesGood oral health is an important aspect of quality of life. However, a number of studies have shown that oral care for the dependent elderly is unsatisfactory. The aim was to explore in nursing homes for the elderly what professionals with different responsibilities may consider as being important aspects of well-functioning daily oral care. MethodsA total of 23 informants from three municipalities in the region of Varmland, Sweden, were interviewed. An interview guide was used, containing some demographic and open-ended questions about individual perceptions of issues according to the study aim. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. ResultsIn the manifest and latent analyses, six categories and three themes emerged. The categories were Key Processes, Communication, Priorities, Competence, Good Oral Health and Autonomy. The themes were Organization, Staff Approach and Staff's Views on Residents' Needs. An overall picture emerged that oral care, rather than occupying an integral position, played a peripheral role in nursing care. ConclusionsTo improve oral care, there are opportunities to work with existing structures and clarify responsibilities and key processes. Oral care should be included in nursing work as a more highly prioritized task, and nurses' knowledge needs to be enhanced. A network of activities at all levels is needed to implement oral care in nursing care.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap -- Gerontologi, medicinsk/hälsovetenskaplig inriktning (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences -- Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

dental care

dental hygienist

long-term care

nursing assistant

nursing home

oral hygiene

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY

HYGIENE

PERCEPTIONS

INTERVIEWS

EDUCATION

STAFF

LIFE

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)